JP4885236B2 - Fixed constant velocity universal joint with large bending angle - Google Patents

Abstract

Fixed, constant velocity ball joint 11 comprising a joint outer part 12 having outer ball tracks 21, a joint inner part 16 having inner ball tracks 22, torque-transmitting balls 25 which are guided in track pairs comprising outer ball tracks 21 and inner ball tracks 22, and a ball cage 27 having cage windows 28 which are distributed over the circumference and in which the balls 25 are held together in the joint centre plane E when the joint is extended and are guided in each case onto an angle-bisecting plane when the joint is deflected, having at least one joint opening 15 of the joint outer part 12, which joint opening 15 forms an annular stop face 29, and having a shaft 18 which penetrates the joint opening 15 and is connected to the joint inner part 16, and comes into contact with the annular stop face 29 at a maximum operating deflection angle ßmax of the joint, wherein the generatrices of the shaft 18 which come into contact with the annular stop face 29 produce an opening cone, wherein, at a maximum operating deflection angle ßmax of the joint, in each case at least one ball 25 exits the outer ball track 21 at the joint opening 15 of the joint outer part 12 to such an extent that the centre point K of the ball 25 is at an axially parallel spacing L<SUB>1</SUB> from the joint centre plane E and is at an axially parallel spacing L<SUB>3</SUB> from the opening cone, wherein L<SUB>1</SUB>/L<SUB>3</SUB> is smaller than 2.9.

Description

The present invention includes an outer ring with an outer guide groove, an inner ring with an inner guide groove, a plurality of balls for transmitting torque guided in an inner and outer guide groove pair composed of an outer guide groove and an inner guide groove, and a circumferential distribution. A plurality of pocket holes having a plurality of pocket holes, at least one opening of an outer ring forming an annular stopper surface, and a shaft passing through the outer ring opening and coupled to the inner ring. Are held in the common universal joint center plane E when the universal joint is extended, and are guided on the bisector of the operating angle when the universal joint is bent, and when the maximum bending angle β _max of the universal joint is The present invention relates to a constant velocity universal joint in which a shaft abuts against an annular stopper surface, and a generatrix of the shaft that abuts against the annular stopper surface forms an open conical surface. This constant velocity universal joint includes all known types of constant velocity universal joints. In particular, opposed guide groove type universal joints, S-shaped guide groove type universal joints, twin ball type universal joints, UF (undercut-free tracks) universal joints and AC (angular contact truck) universal joints.

  In known types of universal joints, the maximum working bend angle is usually limited by the shaft coupled to the inner ring striking an annular surface surrounding the opening in the outer ring. The annular surface is preferably formed in a conical shape, and the opening angle of the cone corresponds to an operating bending angle taking into account the shaft diameter.

  In a goal setting to increase the working bend angle and thereby expand the application range of the universal joint, the first method is to reduce the shaft diameter. If the shaft is already at its strength limit, the torque transmission capacity must be reduced, which is not allowed.

  The second method is to increase the opening angle of the annular surface. However, at the same time, the invalid longitudinal guide area of each outer guide groove is shortened when the universal joint is bent. In this case, the guide groove end edge formed between the guide groove surface and the annular stopper surface is directed toward the inner ring. Pulled inward. This causes the corresponding spheres to jump out of the outer guide groove at or near the bending plane at the desired increased bending angle, thus causing the universal joint to disassemble.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a constant velocity universal joint that has an increased large universal joint flexion angle and maintains functionality at the maximum operating flexion angle. The solution for this is that at the maximum flexion angle of the universal joint, at least one sphere moves from the outer guide groove at the opening of the outer ring and the center M of this sphere from the central plane E of the universal joint with respect to the axial direction of the outer ring. It has an axial parallel distance L ₁ and projects so as to have an axial parallel distance L ₃ from the opening conical surface, and its L ₁ / L ₃ is less than 2.9, particularly less than 2.5. In this case, in particular, at the maximum bending angle of the universal joint, at least one sphere is held inside the pocket hole of the cage. By means of the solution according to the invention, on the other hand, a sphere located in the respective bending plane and moving to the opening side of the outer ring has a reduced embracing angle in its outer guide groove in its cross section and is bent further When you do this, you accept the problem of completely losing contact with the outer ring. This reduces the torque transmission force of the sphere near the plane of the universal joint, but at the same time prevents the sphere from falling out of the best holding angle when viewed in cross section from the cage and outer ring. . In this case, the bending of the universal joint must be increased as long as the embracing angle α is reduced to 0 ° or more in the bending plane. Upon further bending, the sphere protrudes from the outer ring so that the sphere loses contact with the outer guide groove. In this case, in particular, at the maximum bending angle β _max of the universal joint, at least one sphere is outside the outer guide groove at the opening of the outer ring, the center K of the sphere is outside the universal joint center plane E, and outside the universal joint center plane E. It protrudes so that it has an axial parallel distance L ₁ larger than the axial parallel distance L ₄ to the guide groove end edge of the guide groove, and therefore, L ₁ > L ₄ . In that case, it is advantageous that L ₁ > L ₄ and L ₁ / L ₃ is less than 2.2.

  Depending on the cross-sectional shape of the guide groove, the sphere mentioned above makes a line contact along the end of the guide groove (when the outer guide groove in the outer ring is defined by an arc-shaped cross section) or (outer guide groove in the outer ring) Two points of contact (when defined by an oval cross section).

  In general, the maximum bending angle is limited by the shaft coupled to the inner ring striking the annular stopper surface of the outer ring. In this case, the stopper surface is typically opened conically outwardly toward the joint opening.

  In order to be able to fit the ball into the pocket hole of the cage at the assembly angle which must be greater than the maximum working bend angle, the shaft is inserted into the inner ring and joined with a joint, in which case the shaft is assembled after assembly of all the balls For the first time, it is inserted into the inner ring and fixed. Subsequently, various means are employed to reliably prevent the sphere located in the bending plane from being decomposed at the maximum working bending angle during operation. Preferably, it is proposed that at the maximum flexion angle of the universal joint, at least one sphere is held by the guide groove end edge of the outer guide groove and the outer peripheral edge of the corresponding pocket hole. In any case, at the maximum bending angle of the universal joint, the opening width S between the outer peripheral edge of the pocket hole and the guide groove end edge of the outer guide groove is smaller than the spherical diameter DB in the longitudinal section of the universal joint. You must observe the condition.

  In the first group of universal joints according to the present invention, at least a part of the inner and outer guide groove pairs comprising the outer guide groove and the inner guide groove opens toward the bottom of the outer ring in the universal joint center plane E when the universal joint is extended. Have been. The universal joint group described above includes universal joints in which all the inner and outer guide groove pairs consisting of the outer guide groove and the inner guide groove are open toward the bottom of the outer ring in the universal joint center plane when the universal joint is extended. included.

  The universal joints of this first group are called XX-shaped opposed guide groove universal joints and S-shaped guide groove universal joints.

  In a special embodiment, the part of the outer guide groove of the inner / outer guide groove pair extends radially outward toward the outer ring opening, and the part of the inner guide groove of the inner / outer guide groove pair has a radius toward the bottom. It seems to be higher on the outside in the direction. In this case, in particular, it is effective that the part of the outer guide grooves and the inner guide grooves of the pair of inner and outer guide grooves extend in an S shape in the longitudinal section.

  In a special embodiment of this universal joint, the respective centerlines of the two inner and outer guide groove pairs extend in planes parallel to each other. This is called a so-called twin ball type universal joint.

  In the second group of universal joints according to the present invention, at least a part of the inner / outer guide groove pair composed of the outer guide groove and the inner guide groove extends toward the outer ring opening in the center plane of the universal joint when the universal joint is extended. , Has been so. On the one hand, this also includes an XX-shaped counter-guide groove universal joint. As long as this inner / outer guide groove pair shape is related to all inner / outer guide groove pairs composed of outer guide grooves and inner guide grooves, it is an AC universal joint or a UF universal joint.

  It should be noted that when referring to the bottom of the outer ring, that bottom always means the surface axially opposite the inlet opening and opposite the axis, even when it has other openings in the outer ring. .

  Advantageous embodiments of the present invention are illustrated and will be described in detail below.

FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a fixed type constant velocity universal joint according to the present invention at a maximum bending angle. The universal joint has an outer ring (joint outer portion) 12 including a bottom portion 13 and a journal 14 integrally formed on the bottom portion 13, thereby forming a so-called single block universal joint. An opening 15 is present at a position facing the bottom 13 of the outer ring 12. Furthermore, the universal joint has an inner ring (joint inner part) 16 provided with an insertion hole 17, and a shaft 18 passing through the outer ring opening 15 is fitted into the insertion hole 17. This universal joint is formed as an opposing guide groove type universal joint, and a first outer guide groove 21 ₁ in the outer ring 12 and a first inner guide groove 22 ₁ in the inner ring 16 are shown in the upper half of the figure. The universal joint has a second outer guide groove 21 ₂ in the outer ring 12 and a second inner guide groove 22 ₂ in the inner ring 16 in the lower half of the figure. A plurality of torque transmission balls 25 ₁ , 25 ₂ are fitted in the inner and outer guide groove pairs 21 ₁ , 22 ₁ ; 21 ₂ , 22 ₂ , respectively. These spheres are held in a common cross-sectional plane of the retainer 27, and each of these spheres is placed in a pocket hole 28 distributed in the circumferential direction. According to the definition of the facing guide groove universal joint, when the universal joint is extended, the first inner / outer guide groove pair 21 ₁ , 22 ₁ opens toward the bottom 13 in the universal joint center plane E, while the universal joint is extended. The second inner / outer guide groove pair 21 ₂ , 22 ₂ is open toward the outer ring opening 15 in the universal joint center plane E. In this case, the first inner / outer guide groove pair 21 ₁ , 22 ₁ is formed in the form of an S-shaped guide groove with a reverse guide groove opening, and the first outer guide groove 21 ₁ is centered on the center Z ₂ . A circular arc with a radius of is drawn, and this circular arc continuously transitions to a circular arc with the opposite radius near the outer ring opening 15, while the first inner guide groove 22 ₁ is center Z when the universal joint is extended. A circular arc having a radius centered at ₁ is drawn, and this circular arc continuously transitions to an arc having a radius opposite to the bottom portion 13, so that there are S-shaped guide groove shapes symmetrical to each other. The centers Z ₁ and Z ₂ are offset in the axial direction by the same distance in the opposite direction with respect to the universal joint center plane E.

The second inner / outer guide groove pair 21 ₂ , 22 ₂ is formed in the form of a guide groove of an AC (angular contact truck) universal joint with an S-shaped stopper, and the second outer guide groove 21 ₂ is mainly centered on the center Z ₂ . A circular arc having a radius as follows is drawn, and this circular arc continuously transitions to an arc having an opposite radius near the outer ring opening 15, while the second inner guide groove 22 ₂ is mainly formed when the universal joint is extended. An arc having a radius centered on the center Z ₁ is drawn, and this arc continuously transitions toward an arc having a radius opposite to the bottom portion 13. Each of the guide groove end portions extends differently from the above-described arc. The first inner / outer guide groove pair 21 ₁ , 22 ₁ and the second inner / outer guide groove pair 21 ₂ , 22 ₂ exist alternately over the circumference of the universal joint.

In the illustrated maximum bending position of the universal joint represented by the maximum operating bending angle β _max formed by the axis A 12 of the outer ring 12 and the axis A 16 of the inner ring 16, the shaft 18 has a bus bar (outer peripheral surface) 37 with a joint opening 15. It strikes the surrounding annular stopper conical surface 29 and thus limits the bending angle. At this position, the sphere 25 ₁ located in the bending plane of the first outer guide groove 21 ₁ has reached its outermost position in the axial direction. In this case, the sphere 25 ₁ and the first outer guide groove 21 ₁ The circumferential contact angle is smaller than in the case of an extended universal joint or a small bending angle. The position of the sphere 25 ₁ partially protruding from the first outer guide groove 21 ₁ in the bent plane is a distance L ₁ from the universal joint center plane E to the sphere center K in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis A12 of the outer ring, Similarly, it is defined by the distance L ₃ from the outer ring opening conical surface F to the spherical center K in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis A12 of the outer ring. In accordance with the present invention, the quotient of L ₁ and L ₃ is < 2.9 . The difference between L ₁ and L ₃ is the horizontal distance L ₂ from the intersection D with the outer ring opening conical surface F of the axis parallel line passing through the sphere center K to the universal joint center plane E. The outer ring opening conical surface F is formed by the generatrix 37 of the shaft 18 and coincides with the opening angle of the annular stopper surface 29.

The configuration according to the invention is determined by the enlarged cone angle of the stopper face 29 allowing an increased bending of the axis A16 of the inner ring 16 relative to the axis A12 of the outer ring 12. Here, for example, in the case of a universal joint that does not correspond to the opposed guide groove principle, the same phenomenon as that shown for the first inner / outer guide groove pair 21 ₁ , 22 ₁ provided with the first ball 25 ₁ is the same plane in the opposite direction. This also occurs in the second inner / outer guide groove pair 21 ₂ , 22 ₂ for the second sphere 25 ₂ in the bent universal joint.

FIG. 2 repeats FIG. 1 a), and therefore the description of the symbols and their function is omitted. The calculation formula of the horizontal distance L ₁ from the universal joint center plane E to the sphere center K includes the radial distance RB from the longitudinal axis A12 to the sphere center K and the maximum operating bending angle β _max , as follows. .

FIG. 3 repeats FIG. 1a), and therefore the description of the symbols and their function is omitted. Universal joint center plane equation of a horizontal distance L ₂ of the collision point D from E is incorporated a radial distance RB from the longitudinal axis A12 to the sphere center K, the diameter DW of the shaft 18, and a maximum operating bending angle beta _max The following holds.

The universal joints in FIG. 1a) are shown in the same way in the two views in FIG. 4, and therefore the description of the symbols and their functions is omitted. Note that, at the maximum operating bending angle β _max , the maximum distance S between the outer peripheral edge 33 of the pocket hole 28 and the outer guide groove end edge 32 in the bending plane is smaller than the diameter DB of the sphere 25 ₁ , and therefore, the following equation applies.

The universal joint in FIG. 1a) is shown in the same way in FIG. 5a), so the description of the reference numerals and their function is omitted. The contact point of the sphere 25 ₁ protruding in the bending plane is located at the guide groove end edge 32, and this guide groove end edge 32 is formed between the guide groove surface of the outer guide groove 21 ₁ and the annular stopper surface 29. The outer spherical contacts T1 and T2 with the groove end edge 32 are located in front of or behind the longitudinal plane. The outer guide groove embedment angle for the sphere still effective in this position is an angle α from the bending plane toward both sides. This guide groove embedding angle α forms only a partial angle of the guide groove full opening angle in the cross-sectional view. In the position shown, the sphere 25 _{1 is} still held within the full hug cross section of the inner guide groove 22 ₁ .

Shown in Figure 5 of the protruded sphere 25 ₁ located in the bending plane state it is shown at the maximum bending angle of a magnitude different in FIG. Here, only the outer spherical contact point T1 and the guide groove holding angle α in the half of the guide groove are shown.

In the first example of FIG. 6a), the maximum operating bending angle according to the present invention is relatively small, thereby, relatively deep position Tamasotogawa contacts T1 is in the outer ring opening conical surface F, is L ₃ is a small value ing. However, the entrapment angle no longer includes the entire cross section of the outer guide groove and is already small.

In the second example of FIG. 6b), a larger maximum working bend angle is shown, in which case L ₃ is larger and the outer guide groove entrapment angle α is very small to the sphere outer contact T1. . In this case, L ₃ and thus L ₁ is very large. In this case, the torque transmission force of the ball 25 ₁ is smaller than before.

In the third example of FIG. 6c), a larger maximum working bend angle is shown, in which case L ₃ is further increased in this way, the outer guide groove entrapment angle α is zero for the first time, and the sphere is the outer ring. I have completely lost contact. In this case, the torque transmission force of the ball 25 ₁ is zero. Since the distance S between the outer ring edge and the outer peripheral edge of the pocket hole of the cage is still smaller than the sphere diameter DB, the sphere is still held in the outer ring at this position.

7 to 9 will be described in common below. In each figure, a universal joint similar to that in FIG. 1 is shown, and only some major units are shown as in FIGS. Refer to the above description for this point. In each drawing showing the universal joints with the maximum operating bending angle β _max , in addition to the axial parallel distance L ₁ from the universal joint center plane E to the sphere center K, the outer guide groove end edge from the universal joint center plane E, respectively. An axial parallel distance L ₄ up to 32 is shown. Based on the different designs of the universal joint, L ₄ > L ₁ in FIG. 7, L ₄ = L ₁ in FIG. 8, and L ₄ <L ₁ in FIG. Thereby, the sphere has its center K located slightly outside the outer guide groove in FIG. 7, considerably outside in FIG. 8, and in FIG. 9, most of the sphere cross-section extends beyond the end of the guide groove. Out of the outer sphere guide groove. The spheres in the embodiment of FIGS. 7 and 8 still transmit torque with different degrees of reduction, but no torque transmission is performed in the embodiment of FIG.

FIG. 10 shows the universal joint according to FIGS. 1 to 9 in an expanded state in the form with six spheres. The same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the above description should be referred to. The shapes of the S-shaped guide grooves of the first outer guide groove 21 ₁ and the first inner guide groove 22 ₁ that are also related to the guide groove reference line and the guide groove center line (not shown) can be understood. Each guide groove center line is mirror-symmetric with respect to the universal joint center plane E. In the universal joint center plane E, the first inner and outer guide groove pairs 21 ₁ , 22 ₁ are open toward the bottom 13.

The second inner / outer guide groove pair consisting of the second outer guide groove 21 ₂ and the second inner guide groove 22 ₂ mainly consists of arcs whose centers are shifted in the axial direction, and these arcs are opposite to each other near the outer ring opening 15. A circular arc with a directional radius continues. In this case as well, a guide groove shape that is symmetrical with respect to the universal joint center plane E is formed on the guide groove bottom and similarly on the guide groove center line (not shown). The second inner / outer guide groove pair 21 ₂ , 22 ₂ opens toward the opening 15 in the universal joint center plane E.

  FIG. 11 shows the universal joint in FIG. 10 in a refractive longitudinal section, in which additionally there are radial gaps between the cage 27 and on the one hand between the outer ring 12 and on the other hand to the inner ring 16 respectively. I can understand. This is made possible by the fact that the forces from the guide grooves acting on the spheres are canceled out alternately, so that the cage does not have to be supported in direct axial contact with the universal joint parts (13, 16). .

FIG. 12 shows the universal joint according to FIGS. 1 to 9 in an expanded state in the form with eight spheres. The same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the above description should be referred to. The shapes of the S-shaped guide grooves of the first inner guide groove 21 ₁ and the first inner guide groove 22 ₁ that are also associated with the guide groove reference line and the guide groove center line (not shown) can be understood. Each guide groove center line is mirror-symmetric with respect to the universal joint center plane E. In the universal joint center plane E, the first inner and outer guide groove pairs 21 ₁ , 22 ₁ are open toward the bottom 13.

The second inner / outer guide groove pair consisting of the second outer guide groove 21 ₂ and the second inner guide groove 22 ₂ mainly consists of arcs whose centers are shifted in the axial direction, and these arcs are opposite to each other near the outer ring opening 15. A circular arc with a direction radius continues. In this case as well, a guide groove shape that is symmetrical with respect to the universal joint center plane E is formed on the guide groove bottom and similarly on the guide groove center line (not shown). The second inner / outer guide groove pair 21 ₂ , 22 ₂ opens toward the opening 15 in the universal joint center plane E.

  1 to 12 is abbreviated as an SX universal joint.

  In the following, a universal joint structure different from the opposed guide groove type universal joint in the above-mentioned figure will be described. However, the object of the present invention can also be used for this universal joint structure without limiting its main features, and it is not necessary to show and explain this again.

FIG. 13 shows an opposing guide groove-shaped universal joint similar to the above-described FIGS. 10 to 12, and in this case, there is no S-shaped guide groove. Rather, the first outer guide grooves 21 ₁ and the first inner guide groove 22 ₁ is formed by an arc centered on the center Z1, Z2 shifted mainly in the axial direction, the second outer guide groove 21 ₂ and the second inner Similarly, the guide groove 22 ₂ is formed by an arc centered on the centers Z1 and Z2. In this case, the first inner / outer guide groove pair 21 ₁ , 22 ₁ opens toward the bottom 13 in the universal joint center plane E, whereby an axial force directed to the sphere acts under the torque action on the sphere. On the other hand, the second inner / outer guide groove pair 21 ₂ , 22 ₂ opens toward the outer ring opening 15 in the universal joint center plane E, whereby an axial force directed toward the outer ring opening 15 on the second ball 25 _2. Works. The force acting on the sphere is even over the circumference so that the cage does not necessarily have to be supported in direct contact with the universal joint parts (12, 16) in the axial direction.

FIG. 14 shows a constant velocity universal joint having six spheres, and the same reference numerals are given to the same components as those described above. All the inner and outer guide groove pairs are formed to be identical to each other over the circumference. In this case, the outer guide groove 21 and the inner guide groove 22 are shaped like the first inner and outer guide groove pairs (21 ₁ , 22 ₁ ) in FIG. It corresponds. Accordingly, this is an S-shaped guide groove with a reverse guide groove opening, that is, the inner and outer guide groove pairs open toward the bottom 13 in the universal joint center plane E.

FIG. 15 shows the universal joint in FIG. 10, i.e. the universal joint in the form of a six-ball SX universal joint in the maximum bending position. The same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the above description should be referred to. The formation of all the inner and outer guide groove pairs 21 and 22 corresponds to the first inner and outer guide groove pairs (21 ₁ and 22 ₁ ) in FIG. It is understood that one sphere 25 protrudes from the outer guide groove 21 so that the sphere 25 loses contact with the outer ring completely without allowing the sphere 25 to drop off in the bent plane (0). it can. Torque is transmitted mainly by the remaining five balls (1-5).

FIG. 16 shows a constant velocity universal joint having eight balls, and the same reference numerals as those in the above-described drawings are attached to the same components. All of the inner and outer guide groove pairs are formed in the same shape over the circumference. In this case, the outer guide groove 21 and the inner guide groove 22 are shaped like the first inner and outer guide groove pairs (21 ₁ , 22 ₁ ) in FIG. It corresponds. Accordingly, this is an S-shaped guide groove with a reverse guide groove opening, that is, the inner and outer guide groove pairs open toward the bottom 13 in the universal joint center plane E.

  FIG. 17 shows the universal joint in FIG. 12, i.e. the universal joint in the form of an eight-ball SX universal joint in the maximum bending position. The same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the above description should be referred to. It is understood that one sphere 25 protrudes from the outer guide groove 21 so that the sphere 25 loses contact with the outer ring completely without allowing the sphere 25 to drop off in the bent plane (0). it can. Torque transmission is mainly performed by the remaining seven balls (1 to 7).

  FIG. 18 shows a constant velocity universal joint having six balls, and the same reference numerals as those in the above-described drawings are attached to the same components. All the pairs of inner and outer guide grooves composed of the outer guide groove 21 and the inner guide groove 22 are the same as each other, and they are composed of an arc whose center is shifted and a straight line that continues in a tangential direction. As this universal joint is called a UF (undercut-free tracks) universal joint, each guide groove is not undercut from the outer ring opening side.

  FIG. 19 shows a constant velocity universal joint having six balls, and the same reference numerals as those in the above-described drawings are attached to the same components. All the inner and outer guide groove pairs consisting of the outer guide groove 21 and the inner guide groove 22 are identical to each other, and they consist exclusively of arcs that are offset from each other so that they are in spherical contact at all bending positions. An angular opening that is open toward the opening side is generated in each region. This type of universal joint is called an AC (angular contact tracks) universal joint.

  FIGS. 20 and 21 show a constant velocity universal joint having a pair of adjacent inner and outer guide grooves in a pair of outer guide grooves 21 and 21 'and inner guide grooves 22 and 22', respectively. The inner and outer guide groove pairs extend in parallel planes P1, P1 ′; P2, P2 ′, that is, the center line of the inner and outer guide groove pairs is not located in a radial plane passing through the central axis. , They are located in planes that are spaced the same distance in the opposite direction from the radial plane passing through the central axis. In that case, preferably two spheres 25, 25 'are respectively held in the unique pocket holes 28, as can be seen from the section AA in FIG. The guide groove shapes of the inner and outer guide groove pairs are the same over the circumference, and again, an S-shaped guide groove with a reverse opening is realized, which can be understood from FIG. E spreads towards the bottom. This universal joint is called a TBJ universal joint (twin ball joint) depending on the guide groove to be called a two-pair guide groove.

Hereinafter, FIGS. 22 to 26 will be described in common. The same reference numerals are attached to the same components as those in the above-described drawings, and the above description is referred to for those components. For each of the various guide groove shapes shown, the maximum distance L ₄ from the universal joint center plane E to the guide groove end edge 32 is noted, which respectively relates to the guide groove bottom of the outer guide groove 21. Arrows P ₁ and P ₂ each represent an axial force (thrust) applied to the cage under the torque action from the sphere.

  All of the universal joints described above have a universal joint center M that does not allow relative displacement in the axial direction between the outer ring and the inner ring and that has a fixed location, and the axes of the outer ring and the inner ring intersect at this center M. It is a fixed universal joint based on the invention.

It is sectional drawing in the largest bending angle of the universal joint based on this invention of the form of an opposing guide groove-shaped universal joint, The figure a) is a general view, FIG. B) is an enlarged detail drawing of the ball | bowl which protrudes in a bending plane. Dimensions specified illustration of the dimensions L ₁ of a universal joint in FIG. Dimensions specified illustration of the dimensional L ₂ of the universal joint in FIG. The dimension designation explanatory view for hold | maintaining the ball | bowl of the universal joint in FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating different dimensions of the universal joint in FIG. 1, in which FIG. A) is an overall view, and FIG. B) is an axial front view of a sphere protruding in a bending plane. FIG. 2 is a detailed longitudinal sectional view and an axial front view of a state in which a sphere protruding from a bending plane is held, in which FIG. A) shows a state of a first maximum bending angle β _max in which the ball holding has already been reduced, FIG. B). Is the state of the second maximum bending angle β _max in which the ball holding is remarkably reduced, and c) the state of the third maximum bending angle β _max in which the sphere completely protrudes. FIG. 6b is a cross-sectional view of the universal joint in FIG. 1 with a design similar to FIG. 6a. 6b is a cross-sectional view of the universal joint in FIG. 1 with a design similar to FIG. 6b. 6c is a cross-sectional view of the universal joint in FIG. 1 with a design similar to FIG. 6c. FIG. 2 is an opposing guide groove-type universal joint in FIG. 1 having six spheres, in which FIG. A) is an axial front view, and FIG. B) is a longitudinal sectional view along a line AA. FIG. 10 is an opposing guide groove type universal joint in FIG. 10, in which FIG. A) is a front view in the axial direction, and FIG. B) is a longitudinal sectional view along the line AA. FIG. 1 shows a universal joint groove-type universal joint with eight spheres, in which FIG. A) is an axial front view, FIG. B) is a longitudinal sectional view along line AA, and c) FIG. The longitudinal cross-sectional view along -B. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a universal joint grooved universal joint according to a second embodiment including six spheres, in which FIG. A) is an axial front view, and FIG. B) is a longitudinal sectional view along the line AA. An S-shaped guide groove universal joint with a reverse guide groove opening having six spheres, the figure a) being an axial front view, and the figure b) being a longitudinal sectional view along the line AA. . FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a state of a maximum bending angle of the universal joint of FIG. 10 having six spheres, in which FIG. A) is an axial front view, FIG. B) is a longitudinal sectional view of a protruding sphere, and FIG. The axial front view of a sphere. It is an S-shaped guide groove type universal joint with a reverse guide groove opening provided with eight spheres, wherein FIG. A) is an axial front view, and FIG. B) is a longitudinal sectional view along the line AA. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the state of the maximum bending angle of the universal joint of FIG. 12 having eight spheres, in which FIG. A) is an axial front view, FIG. B) is a longitudinal sectional view of the protruding sphere, and FIG. FIG. It is a UF universal joint provided with six spheres, the figure a) is an axial front view, and the figure b) is a longitudinal sectional view along the line AA. 6 is an AC universal joint including six spheres, in which FIG. A) is an axial front view, and FIG. B) is a longitudinal sectional view along the line AA. It is a figure which shows an example of a twin ball type universal joint, The figure a) is an axial front view, FIG. B) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view along the AA line. It is a figure which shows the example from which a twin ball type universal joint differs, Comprising: The figure a) is an axial front view, FIG. B) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view along CC line. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of an opposing guide groove-type universal joint having a dimension L ₄ with six balls in FIG. 10. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of an opposing guide groove-type universal joint having a dimension L ₄ with six balls in FIG. 13. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a UF universal joint having a dimension L ₄ with six spheres in FIG. 15 or a first sectional view of an opposing guide groove-shaped universal joint having a dimension L ₄ with eight spheres in FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of an S-shaped guide groove universal joint having a dimension L ₄ with six spheres in FIG. 11 or a different of an opposing guide groove universal joint having a dimension L ₄ with eight balls in FIG. Sectional drawing. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of an AC universal joint including six balls in FIG. 16.

Explanation of symbols

11 universal joint 12 outer ring 13 bottom 14 journal 15 outer ring opening 16 inner ring 17 insertion hole 18 shaft 21 ₁ first outer guide groove 22 ₁ first inner guide groove 21 ₂ second outer guide groove 22 ₂ second inner guide groove 25 sphere 27 Cage 28 Pocket hole 29 Annular conical surface (stopper surface)
32 Guide groove end edge 33 Pocket hole outer periphery 37 Busbar (outer peripheral surface)

Claims (20)

The outer ring (12) with the outer guide groove (21), the inner ring (16) with the inner guide groove (22), the inner and outer guide groove pairs formed by the outer guide groove (21) and the inner guide groove (22) are guided. A plurality of balls (25) for transmitting torque, a cage (27) having a plurality of pocket holes (28) distributed in the circumferential direction, and an outer ring (12) forming an annular stopper surface (29). And a plurality of spheres (25) in the pocket hole (28) having at least one opening (15) and a shaft (18) passing through the outer ring opening (15) and coupled to the inner ring (16). Are held in the common universal joint center plane E when the universal joint is extended, and are guided on the bisector of the operating angle when the universal joint is bent, and when the maximum bending angle β _max of the universal joint is The shaft (18) hits the annular stopper surface (29) and the annular stopper surface ( The generatrix of the shaft (18) impinging on 9) is a fixed type constant velocity universal joint has occurred an opening conical surface (11),
At least a part of the inner / outer guide groove pair (21, 22) including the outer guide groove (21) and the inner guide groove (22) opens toward the bottom (13) in the universal joint center plane when the universal joint is extended. And
At the maximum bending angle (β _max ) of the universal joint, at least one sphere (25) moves from the outer guide groove (21) in the opening (15) of the outer ring (12) to the center K of the sphere (25). , the universal joint center has a planar axially parallel distance L ₁ from E, and protrude so as to have an axis parallel distance L ₃ from the opening cone surface, Ri the L ₁ / L ₃ is der less than 2.9,
Furthermore, at the time of the maximum bending angle (β _max ) of the universal joint , at least one sphere (25) is formed between the guide groove surface of the outer guide groove (21) and the annular stopper surface (29). the corresponding fixed type constant velocity universal joint hand, characterized that you have been retained by the outer peripheral edge (33) of the pocket bore (28) of the guide Mizotsuien (32) and said retainer (27). Universal joint according to claim 1, L ₁ / L ₃ is equal to or less than 2.5. At each maximum flexion angle (β _max ) of the universal joint, at least one sphere (25) moves from the outer guide groove (21) to the center K of the sphere (25) in the opening (15) of the outer ring (12). shaft protrudes to have an axially parallel distance L ₁ from the universal joint center plane E, is axial parallel distance L _1, from the universal joint center plane E until said guide Mizotsuien (32) of the outer guide groove (21) greater than the parallel distance L _4, therefore, universal joint according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the L _1> L _4. The universal joint according to claim 3, wherein L ₁ > L ₄ and L ₁ / L ₃ is less than 2.2. 5. At least one sphere (25) is retained in its pocket hole (28) in the retainer (27) at the maximum bending angle (β _max ) of the universal joint. The universal joint as described in any one of these.   6. A universal joint according to claim 1, characterized in that the annular stop surface (29) is conically opened outwardly towards the outer ring opening (15).   7. The universal joint according to claim 1, wherein the shaft (18) is connected to the inner ring (16) by a bayonet joint.   The universal joint according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the outer guide groove (21) of the outer ring (12) has a cross section defined by an arc shape.   The universal joint according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the outer guide groove (21) of the outer ring (12) has an oval cross section. During the maximum bending angle of the universal joint (beta _max), at the bent plane, the opening width between the outer peripheral edge (33) and said guide Mizotsuien outer guide groove (21) (32) of the pocket bore (28) The universal joint according to any one of claims 1 to 9 , wherein S is smaller than a spherical diameter DB in a longitudinal section of the universal joint. The part of the outer guide groove (21) of the inner / outer guide groove pair (21, 22) extends radially outward toward the outer ring opening (15), and the part of the inner / outer guide groove pair (21, 22) universal joint according to claim 1, inner guide groove (22), characterized in that the higher radially outward toward the bottom (13). Inner and outer guide groove to said portion of the outer guide groove (21, 22) (21) and the inner guide groove (22), according to claim 11, characterized in that extending on each vertical section S-shaped Universal joint. Claims 1, characterized in that the center line of the outer guide groove (21) and the inner and outer guide groove pairs adjacent to each other consisting of the inner guide groove (22) (21, 22) are respectively extend parallel to each other either 12 The universal joint as described in any one. At least a part of the pair of inner and outer guide grooves (21, 22) including the outer guide groove (21) and the inner guide groove (22) expands toward the outer ring opening (15) in the universal joint center plane when the universal joint is extended. The universal joint according to any one of claims 1 to 13 , wherein the universal joint is provided. When the universal joint is bent, at least one sphere (25) protrudes from the outer ring (12) to such an extent that the sphere (25) loses contact with the corresponding outer guide groove (21). The universal joint according to any one of claims 1 to 14 . Flexion of the universal joint, at least one sphere (25), the outer ring (12), said ball (25) but loses the corresponding contact with the outer guide groove (21), but still the guide Mizotsuien ( universal joint according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that protrudes so as to be held between the outer peripheral edge of the pocket holes (28) 32) and in the universal joint. When the universal joint is bent, at least one sphere (25) loses contact with the outer guide groove (21) and the inner guide groove (22) corresponding to the sphere (25) from the outer ring (12). projecting, universal joint according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the ball (25) does not transmit the longer force. When the universal joint is bent, at least one sphere (25) loses contact with the outer guide groove (21) and the inner guide groove (22) corresponding to the sphere (25) from the outer ring (12). 18. A universal joint according to any one of claims 1 to 17 , characterized in that in the case of a protruding, six-ball universal joint, a maximum of five balls transmit torque. When the universal joint is bent, at least one sphere (25) loses contact with the outer guide groove (21) and the inner guide groove (22) corresponding to the sphere (25) from the outer ring (12). projects, eight spherical universal case of joint, universal joint according to any one of claims 1 to 17 up to seven spheres and wherein the transmitting the torque. In order to ensure that the ball (25) is still held in the universal joint at the maximum bending angle (β _max ) of the universal joint, the assembly bending angle of the universal joint is made larger than the operating bending angle. universal joint according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized.

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